BASIC CONCEPTS

IN RESEARCH
 —Intended Learning Outcome/s:

•Explain the principles of conducting

educational research.
Introduction to Research
All of us engage in actions that have some of the characteristics of a
formal research, although perhaps, we do not realize this at this time. We try out
new methods of teaching, new materials, new textbooks. We compare what we
did this year with what we did last year. Teachers frequently ask students and
colleagues their opinions about school and classroom activities, Counselor
interview students, faculty, and parents about school activities. School heads hold
regular meetings to gauge how faculty members feel about various issues. School
boards query school heads, school heads query teachers, teachers query students
and each other.
 We observe, we analyze, we question, we hypothesize, we
measure, assess, we evaluate. But rarely do we do these things
systematically. Rarely do we observe under controlled conditions. Karely
are our instruments as accurate and reliable as they might be. Rarely do
we use variety of research techniques and methodologies at our
investigation. Hence, studying this subject intends to fill in these gaps.
Definition of Research
● Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information
to increase our understanding of a topic or issue (Creswell, 2012).

● Research is an orderly, careful, and patient study and investigation of a

subject matter for the purpose of adding to the body of knowledge
(Frankael and Wallen, 2008).

● Research involves a systematic process of gathering,interpreting, and

reporting information (McMillan, 2012).
● Basic research is concerned with clarifying underlying processes, with
the hypothesis usually expressed as a theory. An example of this might
be an attempt to refine one or more stages of Erickson's psychological
theory of development.

● Applied research is interested in examining the effectiveness of

particular educational practices. An example of this might be an
attempt by a researcher to find out whether a particular theory of how
children learn to read can be applied to first graders who are non-
readers.
Importance of Research
1. Research Adds to Our Knowledge
Educators strive for continual improvement.
This requires addressing problems or issues and
searching for potential solutions. Adding to
knowledge means that educators undertake research
to contribute to existing information about issues
2. Research Improves Practice
Research is also important because it suggests
improvements for practice. Armed with research
results, teachers and other educators become more
effective professionals. This effectiveness translates
into better learning for students.
3. Research Informs Policy Debates
In addition to helping educators become better
practitioners, research also provides information to
policy makers when they research and debate
educational topics
Principles of Educational Research
1. Pose Significant Questions that Can Be Investigated Empirically
This principle emphasizes two elements: (1) the need to identify
important research questions that will have significant benefits for
practice or the knowledge base once answered; and (2) the need for an
"empirical" approach. An empirical study is one that gathers evidence
(data) that is based on observation, measurement, or experience that can
be replicated by others. It is based on concrete evidence- what is seen,
heard, or touched, using direct contact with what is being studied.
2. Link Research to Relevant Theory
A research must have a strong theoretical background. A theory
can be defined as a set of propositions that explain the relationships
among observed phenomena. Such general explanations of behavior can
be used in many contexts and have more utility for a large number of
people
For example, research on effective teaching has identified
general teaching behaviors such as close supervision, providing
meaningful and timely feedback to students on their performance, and
asking appropriate questions that keep students engaged - that are
positively related to student achievement for most, if not all, teachers.
3. Use Methods That Permit Direct Investigation of the Question
An important principle in conducting empirical educational
research is that the method used in the study should be the best one for
the research question. No single method always provides the best
answers. Rather, start with the question and then match the method to the
question. Method is also influenced by the situation in which the research
is conducted and by access to information. Scientific claims are
strengthened when multiple methods are used.
4. Provide a Coherent, Explicit, and Evidence-Based Chain of
Reasoning
Making scientific inferences, explanations, and conclusions
requires a logical chain of reasoning that is coherent and persuasive. This
occurs when there is a clear alignment between all aspects of the
research, from the research question and pertinent literature to methods,
findings, and conclusions. Reasoning is strengthened when researchers
identify limitations, uncertainty, possible bias, and errors.
5. Replicate and Generalize Across Studies
Findings from a study must be checked and validated, and
subsequent studies must determine whether results generalize to a
broader population and to other contexts.

6. Disclose Research to Encourage Professional Scrutiny, Critique,

and Peer Review
A hallmark of scientific inquiry is that studies are widely
disseminated and subjected to review by peers. This public, professional
critique is needed for the overall credibility of the findings to be
validated.
BASIC CONCEPTS
IN RESEARCH
Lesson 1
Part 2
 —Intended Learning Outcome/s:

• Differentiate quantitative, qualitative, and

mixed methods types of research.
• Discuss the characteristics of descriptive,
associational, and interventional types of research.
Classification of Research

Quantitative research assumes that

phenomena should be studied objectively with the
goal of obtaining a single truth, or at least reality
within known probabilities, with an emphasis on
measurement, numerical data, and experiments.
 Qualitative research stresses multiple realities that are
rooted in participants' views and perceptions. A focus on
understanding and meaning is based on social interactions,
verbal narratives, and observations, rather than numbers.
Qualitative research often takes place in naturally occurring
situations.
Meanwhile, mixed - method combines quantitative
and qualitative approaches.
Characteristics of quantitative, qualitative, and
mixed-method research
General types of Research

Research can be generally categorized into

descriptive, associational, or intervention – type
studies.
Characteristics of descriptive, associational, and
intervention-type research
Approaches to Qualitative Research

The approaches to qualitative research include

narrative research, phenomenology, grounded
theory, case-study, ethnography, and historical
research.
Characteristics of
narrative research,
phenomenology,
grounded theory,
case-study,
ethnography, and
historical research.